CTRLCare Behavioral Health

Tag: behavioral health

  • Behavioral Addictions: What They Are and How to Treat Them

    Behavioral Addictions: What They Are and How to Treat Them

    When people hear the word “addiction,” they generally think of a chemical dependency to alcohol, nicotine or illicit drugs. But it’s also possible to develop a behavioral addiction. People can get hooked on anything, from shopping to gambling to the internet. Because these behaviors are normal, it can be hard to imagine anyone becoming addicted to them. But the cycle of addiction can still take over and interfere with everyday functioning. 

    Behavioral addictions look similar to drug addictions. People will seek out more and more opportunities to engage in their desired behavior. They also have the urge to experience a ‘high’ from the behavior. This is what causes them to engage in the activity, despite harmful consequences. They may also experience withdrawal like shaking, irritability and loss of concentration. 

    Let’s learn more about behavioral addictions and the best ways to treat them. 

    What are Behavioral Addictions? What are the Different Types? 

    The DSM-5 includes behaviors in the addictions category, but a gambling disorder is the only officially recognized behavioral addiction. These addictions have similar effects to substance use addictions in the sense that a person gets dependent on the behavior, chases the reward and experiences withdrawal. This takes a toll on their work, relationships and life in general. 

    Here are some of the most common behavioral addictions: 

    • Exercise addiction
    • Food addiction
    • Gambling addiction
    • Internet addiction
    • Shopping addiction 
    • Video game addiction 
    • Sex addiction 

    Signs and Symptoms of a Behavioral Addiction

    It’s possible that what you are dealing with is problematic behavior and not a full-blown addiction. Either way, it’s important to recognize your problem and the need for professional behavioral therapy in New Jersey. Here are some red flags that you may be struggling with a behavioral addiction:

    • Spending the majority of time engaging in the behavior, thinking about the behavior or recovering from the behavior
    • Becoming dependent on the behavior as a way to cope 
    • Continuing the behavior despite physical or mental harm
    • Having trouble cutting back 
    • Neglecting work, school or household responsibilities 
    • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop 
    • Minimizing or hiding the problem from others

    Professional Behavioral Therapy in Princeton NJ

    Behavioral addictions can be successfully treated. Addiction specialists have a wide range of treatment options for behavioral addictions, even when they are coupled with another condition like depression or anxiety. Start by speaking with your doctor or treatment team to determine the level of care you can benefit from. 

    Behavioral addictions generally respond well to: 

    • Cognitive behavioral therapy
    • Group therapy
    • Medications
    • Self-help groups
    • One-on-one counseling 

    Find Your Path to Healing 

    If you or a loved one is struggling with a behavioral addiction to shopping, gambling, social media, video games or something else, please contact CTRLCare Behavioral Health. We have all of the tools and resources needed to recover under one roof. Our wellness team will do a full assessment and determine the best treatment approach for your needs. Contact us today to start your journey to healing! 

  • Is it Normal Teenage Behavior or Mental Illness?

    Is it Normal Teenage Behavior or Mental Illness?

    It’s not easy being a teenager. Teens are halfway between childhood and adulthood. They are still figuring out who they are while dealing with physical and emotional changes. This can cause your teen to act out in ways you haven’t seen before. 

    Some irritable or defiant behavior is normal during the teen years and typically nothing to worry about. Teens need to find their way and become comfortable in their skin, and parents can make this transition easier by listening, practicing patience and respecting boundaries. 

    But what happens when that normal teenage behavior doesn’t seem so normal anymore? It’s estimated that about 85 percent of teens get through adolescence without too much trouble, but 15 percent do not. Could your child be in the latter group? And if so, how can you help? 

    Below you’ll find more information about identifying normal teenage behavior and mental illness, and where to go for child mental health services in Princeton NJ. 

    Sleeping

    Teens have very different biological clocks compared to kids and adults. The body naturally wants to sleep between 1am and 10am. Therefore, it’s normal for a teen to want to stay up late and sleep in the next day. 

    However, if your teen is sleeping all day, isolating themselves from friends or falling asleep at school, these could be signs of a bigger problem. 

    Moodiness and Irritability 

    A simple comment can send a teen into a frenzy, but again, this probably isn’t a cause for concern. It’s normal for teens to get frustrated, moody and irritable because they’re dealing with many thoughts, feelings and emotions. 

    But, it can be a cause for concern if your child’s moodiness is constantly escalating. Maybe they are responding with violence or having trouble coping with everyday situations. These red flags should not be ignored. 

    Alcohol and Drug Experimentation 

    Even though parents don’t like it, most kids are in the position to experiment with alcohol before they turn 21. And the same is often true for nicotine and marijuana. This is why it’s important to talk openly and honestly with your child. 

    While some experimentation is normal, it’s a fine line. If your teen is frequently partying or using drugs and alcohol to self-medicate, they might benefit from youth addiction treatment in Princeton NJ. 

    Defiance and Rebelliousness 

    Some defiance is normal, as teens are feeling out boundaries and pushing for independence. They might also be more secretive, as they want the opportunity to make their own decisions without parent input. 

    However, it’s a bigger issue if your child is breaking laws or getting into frequent trouble at school. This defiance can impact their future. 

    Grades 

    Because they are faced with pressures to do well in school, it’s common for teens to be anxious about homework, tests and grades. This anxiety can kick up as graduation nears. 

    So when should you be concerned? When your teen starts showing real anxiety over their schoolwork, such as not being able to study, not being able to sleep or getting physically ill. It’s also concerning if your teen suddenly stops caring about their grades. 

    Seeking Help for Your Teen

    It’s important to be present and patient with your teen, as this allows you to address concerning behaviors as they arise. If you’re not sure what to do, it’s okay to involve a professional. But it’s also important not to let fear take over. Manage your emotions and try to remember what it was like to be a teenager. 

    CTRLCare Behavioral Health offers child mental health services in Princeton NJ. We frequently work with teens who are struggling in their lives, and we help get them back on track with better coping skills and life skills. Contact our admissions team to learn more about getting your teen professional help.